Computer Acting Up? 7 Fixes You Can Try Before Paying a Technician

If you’re finding your computer acting up, you’ve probably encountered that exasperating moment when your device freezes right in the middle of an important task—like when you’re finalizing a crucial report and suddenly, nothing responds. After helping dozens of clients troubleshoot their computer issues, I’ve gathered effective strategies that can save you both time and money before you consider a trip to the technician.

1. Restart Your Computer

It sounds simple, but restarting your computer can resolve numerous issues. When you restart, your system clears temporary files, resets memory, and stops any processes that may be stuck. This is especially true if you notice your computer is running slow or applications aren’t responding. Here’s exactly how to do it:

How to Restart Your Computer

1. Click on the Start menu (Windows) or Apple menu (Mac).
2. Select “Restart.”
3. Once the system shuts down and boots up, check if the issue persists.

Now, here’s where most tutorials get it wrong—some users opt for shutting down instead of restarting, which doesn’t always clear the temporary files effectively. Always choose restart for a thorough refresh.

2. Check for Software Updates

Outdated software can lead to performance issues and security vulnerabilities. If your computer is acting up, the culprit may be an outdated operating system or application. Keeping everything updated ensures you have the latest fixes and features. Here’s how to check for updates:

How to Update Your Software

For Windows:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to “Update & Security.”
3. Click on “Check for updates.” If updates are available, follow the prompts to install them.

For Mac:

1. Click on the Apple menu.
2. Select “About This Mac,” then “Software Update.”
3. If updates are available, click “Update Now.”

Never ignore those notifications! They often include critical patches that can resolve known bugs. We learned this the hard way when a client lost data due to a security vulnerability that had been patched in a recent update.

3. Run a Virus Scan

If your computer is acting up, it could be a sign of malware or a virus. These malicious programs can slow down your system, cause crashes, or even compromise your data. Here’s how to perform a virus scan:

How to Run a Virus Scan

1. Open your antivirus software (Windows Defender is built into Windows, while Mac users can use built-in malware protection).
2. Select “Full Scan” for a comprehensive check.
3. Follow the prompts to remove any detected threats.

Can you still rely on free antivirus tools? Surprisingly, yes—many offer robust protection. However, be cautious with free tools that come bundled with additional software; they can sometimes introduce more issues than they solve.

4. Clean Up Your Hard Drive

Over time, your hard drive can become cluttered with unnecessary files, which can lead to slower performance. Regularly cleaning up your hard drive can help keep your computer running smoothly. Here’s how to do a clean-up:

How to Clean Up Your Hard Drive

On Windows:

1. Open the “Settings” app.
2. Go to “System,” then “Storage.”
3. Select “Temporary files” and check the boxes for files you want to remove.
4. Click “Remove files.”

On Mac:

1. Open “Finder.” Select “Go” from the menu and then “Go to Folder.”
2. Type in ~/Library/Caches and delete unnecessary files.
3. Empty your Trash to free up space.

It’s essential to be mindful of what you delete. Removing system files can lead to additional issues, so only delete items you’re confident you don’t need.

5. Check Your Hardware Connections

If your computer is experiencing hardware-related issues, a loose connection may be to blame. This is particularly common with peripherals like monitors, keyboards, and mice. Here’s what to do:

How to Check Hardware Connections

1. Turn off your computer and unplug all peripherals.
2. Examine the cables for any signs of damage.
3. Reconnect everything securely and ensure there are no loose cables.
4. Turn your computer back on and test each peripheral.

Never ignore signs of hardware failure. A faulty peripheral can sometimes cause system freezes or errors, so troubleshooting connections is a critical step before further diagnostics.

6. Adjust Performance Settings

Your computer’s performance settings may not be optimized for your current usage, especially if you’re running resource-intensive applications. Adjusting these settings can help improve performance. Here’s how:

How to Adjust Performance Settings

For Windows:

1. Right-click on “This PC” and select “Properties.”
2. Click on “Advanced system settings.”
3. Under “Performance,” click “Settings.”
4. Select “Adjust for best performance” and then apply.

For Mac:

1. Open “System Preferences.”
2. Select “Energy Saver” and adjust settings to optimize performance.
3. Consider reducing transparency and motion under “Accessibility.”

Here’s where a common mistake happens—many users forget that visual effects can drain system resources. Disable any unnecessary animations and effects for a noticeable boost in speed.

7. Reinstall Your Operating System

If all else fails and your computer continues to act up, a fresh installation of your operating system might be the solution. This will erase all existing data, so ensure you back everything up before proceeding. Here’s how to reinstall your OS:

How to Reinstall Your Operating System

For Windows:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Recovery.”
2. Select “Get started” under “Reset this PC.”
3. Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything, then follow the on-screen instructions.

For Mac:

1. Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R to enter Recovery Mode.
2. Select “Reinstall macOS” and follow the prompts.

Reinstalling your OS can seem daunting, but it can also breathe new life into an aging computer. We advise this as a last resort, ensuring you have a complete backup of your important files.

If you’re facing issues with your computer acting up, these seven fixes can help you troubleshoot the problem and potentially save you from costly technician fees. Remember, not every solution will work for every issue, but these steps provide a solid foundation for diagnosing and resolving common computer problems. Embrace the journey of learning about your technology—it can be incredibly gratifying and empowering!